This is a very interesting topic to me because our PTO has seemed to focus on raising funds and then organizing "events". We're great at raising the funds but we've had complaints that we're not good at spending our funds. I changed all that this year and we spent a tremendous sum: $89,000 (some of it was carried over from the past year or two). I think it was great for the school because we had a wonderful, wide variety of items that we funded. They covered everything from pre-school through middle school. We itemized every item so parents got to see where their hard-earned money went. It was great for morale.

What we're weak on are the things that so many PTO groups seem to mainly focus on and that's family events. Our families would probably say "what's the purpose of this event?!". We do plan on starting a few family events for the first time this year.

Shelly

Angela, I think it's great that your pto can pick up on such things as technology, PE, and art. We have fortunately not been put in that situation yet. We have bought the copier or two and yes, those decisions were met with some opposition. If we are able to do fun things with our kids, provide family fun and have extra to support our staff by buying a copier, I don't have a problem with it. In a perfect world we wouldn't have to worry with funding special classes or buying copiers. But, as budget cuts seem to get worse and worse, who knows what the future holds as far as PTO "responsibilities" go. I do hope you can find a happy medium and incorporate more fun for the kids. Our kids always enjoy a sno cone or popcorn day. And they are relatively inexpensive.

Pals.... thanks so much for this topic! I too was wondering exactly what the PTO is supposed to concentrate on. A lot of posts on this site seem to have a lot of "fun". We however seem to just "support" our school. Also, after reading Tim's tips on "carry over funds" I am really confused. Let me give you a little background about our school and let me know what you think.

First of all... our Bylaws mission is: As an organization of Parents, Teachers and Administration, it is our mission, as representatives, to enhance the educational experience for the students at JLE School. We do this by providing Financial Support for their educational and recreation needs, by promoting JLE School Spirit and by facilitating Communication between the administration, teachers and parents. The JLE PTO Organization allows continued parental involvement and participation with JLE students by the parents and others who love and guide them at home. Our motto is: Bringing Students, Parents and School Together.

We have a large K- 6th school with 715 students. The PTO has been around here for years... but the participation and involvement over the last two has really diminished, and my goal this year is to change that. In our county we have had a lot of MAJOR BUDGET cuts, and over the years the PTO has paid for educational programs that our district has had to cut (like technology, physical education and art). The organization has been a major asset to our children's education. However, because of this I believe that we have also forgot how to have "FUN" and have become too "business" oriented. Even before the school year starts, we have $19,000 worth of commitments to pay for so that's where we really rely on "fundraising". The big money makers with least amount of work are the catalog sales, but over the years everyone has come to "hate" them (including me!). We are forced to do catalog fundraisers (that require very little work) because we can't get the help we need for any other type of big (family) event (like a carnival or Tri-tip dinner) that can make a profit. We also tend to carry over money from year to year because of the commitments that we have upfront every year. I believe that parents have become "turned off" because they never really see where their money goes (even though it is ongoing).

My goal this year is to make parents more aware of what the PTO does and what the monies raised pay for. I would also like to have some "fun" and join together as a community! After all.... we are all here for the same thing.... the children.

pals, On a personal note I would much rather see PTO money spent on the kids than see copiers, books, and such purchased. I feel things like that should be spent with the tax money I pay. Giving rewards and incentives gives the kids something to look foward too and helping to promote involvement makes a big difference in their lives. Sadly in some cases the only attention a child gets is at school. It sounds like your group is doing a great job. Keep up the good work!!

Our school has always had a problem with family involvement so that is was we mainly focus on. We also reward our kids for EVERYTHING lol

3 years ago, our PTO annual budget was $2,000. In the past two years, we've raised so much money that our next years budget is over $8,000 and this year we supplied our school with over $6,000 in gifts (Accelerated Math, a riding lawn mower and two grades are getting new educational magazine subscriptions).

We have found that if we have a goal for the fall fundraiser money, parents are more likely to participate. We also started a "back to school block party", held Donuts w/Dad and Muffins w/Mom this year and they were HIGHLY attended. This year, we didn't see the problem with parents dropping off their kids to these activities, but they came and had fun themselves ...and we also had a lot of grandparents who came and helped out or attended if the parents couldn't. It's made a world of different in the students and their behavior's having so much "family" attend our events.

A lot of our budget does go towards student rewards . .. perfect attendance, word wizard ice cream day, AR Celebration Day, pizza parties for box tops winners, MAP Scholars and such. We have a great bunch of students at our school and my middle schooler is envious because all the fun started after whe graduated from the school LOL LOL LOL.

One of the first things we worried about paying was for the copier in the office. The yearly maintenance agreement is almost $2K and then there is also the security agreement, risograph and waxer. The schools budget does not cover these costs so we took care of it. (we buy the mulch too! LOL)
We then concentrated on providing each teacher with at least $100. per year for classroom needs, rewards and assemblies(Say no to drugs, Say no to Violence, Etc.), staff and faculty appreciation lunch and gifts, and helping with the field trips. Of course when we have a dance or holiday workshop we provide for those in need by not charging or charging very little.
We also provide snacks and drinks throughout the year for holiday parties, etc.
I have always wanted to do more that centers more on the family unit but for some reason a lot of people are opposed to this. (Our Title 1 program usually does 2-3 fun nights each year.) We used to provide a reception before meetings but no one wanted to do it this past year. I'm all for helping with the bills but I think my group should have done more to bring everyone together too. Maybe next year!